Puerto Rico Gambles on Medical Marijuana to Fix Economic Crisis

Puerto Rico is experiencing an economic crisis. Luckily, the island’s medical marijuana program is expanding and helping with job creation and revenue from taxes.

Medical marijuana was legalized on Puerto Rico two years ago, but Governor Ricardo Rossello signed a bill just last month that will really help the improve the industry, according to CT Post. The new bill will help expand the program, including more cultivation capabilities.

Jesus Aponte, a biologist and chemical engineer, oversees 2,000 medical marijuana plants growing at Nature Ventures on Puerto Rico. He said, “This is an economic niche that we can grab onto.”

Goodwin Aldarondo of Puerto Rico Legal Marijuana said, “A lot of people were waiting for this law. It’s the only viable alternative we have to solve the economic situation. It’s been many, many years since Puerto Rico has had a new industry.”

David Quinones of Natural Ventures said, “Name one new industry in Puerto Rico capable of generating millions and billions in capital and improving an economy in a mega-crisis. There is none.”

On Puerto Rico, a typical gram costs around $20. Specials do exist where some dispensaries are able to offer $10 grams. There are 27 dispensaries and 11 grow facilities on Puerto Rico. The island also has two labs and five manufacturing centers. There are now almost 300 certified doctors to recommend medical marijuana, all of them pay $1,500 every three years for eligibility to certify patients to use medical marijuana.